For a start, taking along our car buyer’s checklist.
This provides a general overview for what to look out for, but a search online can give you a clearer idea of what to look for with specific make and models.
1. Tyres
We’ve already mentioned kicking the tyres, but it’s worth getting down on your knees and inspecting them properly.
How much tread have they got?
They need 1.6mm as a legal minimum, so if they’re below 3mm you’ll have to factor in the cost of changing them soon.
While budget brand tyres might not be a major concern on a cheap car, if you’re spending more money (especially on a performance car) you’ll want four matching premium tyres.
Click here to find out how to check the legal tyre tread with a 20p.
2. Dents and scratches
How’s the bodywork?
Are there signs of kerbing on the wheels?
It’s important to inspect a car in clear daylight… rain or darkness can hide a lot.
Don’t be too put off by small dents or scratches, these can be fixed fairly cheaply, but do use them to negotiate.
3. Panel gaps
While you’re looking over the bodywork, check the gaps between panels - large panel gaps could be a sign that a car has been badly repaired after a crash, and make sure there aren’t any colour differences between panels.
4. Fluid levels
Open the bonnet and check all the levels - including oil, brake and power steering fluid.
If they’re low, it could be a sign that the car hasn’t been well maintained.
While you’re there, look out for signs of oil leaks under the bonnet.
It’s worth looking underneath where the car is normally kept, too.
5. Under the oil cap
As well as checking the oil level, it’s worth looking under the oil cap for signs of a white mayonnaise-like substance.
This could be caused by condensation, but is usually created by coolant mixing with oil - a sign that the head gasket could have failed.
Also check the coolant expansion tank looks clean
6. Electrics
Try everything. Wind the windows up and down, turn the radio off, test the air conditioning.
Faults could be a simple repair, but at the very least it’s a negotiating point if something doesn’t work as it should
7. Glass
Are there any chips in the windscreen?
They could turn into cracks meaning you’ll have to replace the windscreen.
If they’re in the driver’s eyeline, they could be an MOT failure too.
Also look at the front and rear lights, keeping an eye out for chips, cracks and any fogging or internal moisture.
How to deal with damaged windscreens
8. Upholstery
Don’t overlook the car’s interior.
Are there any stains or tears in the seats?
Does it smell OK?
Bad smells can be very off-putting and hard to get rid of, especially if a car has been smoked in.
9. Spare wheel and accessories
Should the car come with a spare wheel?
If so, is it there, and in good condition?
Is there a jack for lifting the car if you get a puncture, and an adapter for any locking wheel nuts fitted to the vehicle?
10. Wear and tear
All secondhand cars will display a certain amount of wear and tear, but is it consistent with the age and mileage?
A car showing low miles on the clock but showing heavy wear on the driver’s seat, steering wheel and pedals should raise alarm bells.
Click on the below image to download the checklist and take it to your viewing
MORE ADVICE: How to spot a clocked car
This list of check will give you a good insight into what you need to look out for when inspecting a used car, however, it's always advisable to take someone with you who has a good knowledge of cars and mechanics, if you don't yourself - especially if you are spending any significant amount on the car.
If you don't know anyone to take along and need a second opinion, a vehicle inspection is a great idea.
For a fee, trained mechanics will visit the car with you and check the running order and working condition of the vehicle, potentially saving you a significant amount down the road in repairs, should they spot a lurking issue.
